Building Of The New Cranleigh Leisure Centre Delayed Until 2027

Contractors have been asked to delay building works on a new leisure centre in a Surrey village until 2027.

Cllr. Liz Townsend had asked for the delay to the project, which had nearly doubled in budget to £36m since it was first announced, to give high street traders an “uninterrupted Christmas period”.

Cranleigh Leisure Centre Delay: How Much More Will It Cost?

When the new Cranleigh Leisure Centre was first announced, it was presented as a major investment in Cranleigh’s future. A modern, energy-efficient facility that would replace the ageing 1969 building and provide improved facilities for generations to come.
Few people would argue that the existing leisure centre doesn’t need replacing.
But with the project now delayed and the budget increasing yet again, many residents are beginning to ask some difficult questions.
The latest update from Waverley Borough Council confirms that the project now has a revised budget of almost £36 million, with construction expected to begin in summer 2026 and the new centre opening in winter 2027. The council says rising construction costs, inflation and design requirements have contributed to the increase.
That inevitably raises another question…
If the project is delayed again, will the cost increase once more?
Construction costs rarely stand still. Every year brings new inflation, higher material prices and increased labour costs. While nobody can predict the future, further delays could place additional pressure on an already expanded budget.
Residents are also wondering what happens next year if costs continue to rise.
Will more borrowing be required?
Will other council projects be affected?
Or is this finally the last revision before work gets underway?
Beyond the numbers, there is another issue that shouldn’t be forgotten.
For years, businesses on Cranleigh High Street have dealt with uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment. Whether the leisure centre is built this year or next, many local shops and independent businesses continue to face the same challenges.
Delaying the project doesn’t delay those problems.

Questions are already being raised about whether pushing the project back will lead to even higher costs. If construction slips further into next year, will the budget rise again? Meanwhile, local High Street shops and businesses continue to face disruption and uncertainty, regardless of when the leisure centre is eventually completed.
The new leisure centre promises significant long-term benefits for Cranleigh, including lower running costs, improved facilities and a more sustainable building. But for many residents, the focus has shifted from whether it should be built to whether the project can still be delivered on time and within budget.
What do you think?
Is the delay a sensible decision if it results in a better building, or are you concerned that every postponement simply means another increase in cost?

Read the BBC article here:

Contractor asked to delay building leisure centre https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3ry13427yjo